Letter from Pastor - August 7, 2020
Friday, August 7, 2020
St. Sixtus II, Pope, and Companions, Martyrs; St. Cajetan, Priest; First Friday
Dear Family:
It has been almost two and a half months since I wrote my last letter to you informing you of the changes that would be happening regarding returning to mass and how we were to successfully implement the guidance I received. I am very happy to say that the 9:00 a.m. masses on Sundays have been well received and on average, totaling the attendance at both the PAC gym and church together, we have about 275 to 310 people who attend on a weekly basis. As we got into our temporary routine, we have had to slightly tweak and alter some processes, but, for the overall flow of the mass we are successful. As well, our Monday through Saturday 8:00 a.m. mass in the church also has a regular group of attendees.
The processes and rules that we put into place at the beginning of our return continue to remain in effect. These processes are very important to me because I care about my family and their health and well-being. For weekday masses, the church doors open at 7:30 a.m. and then are locked at 8:05 a.m. Attendees are asked to sit in the center two aisles observing social distancing and wearing masks. The reason for this is simple: if attendees are contained to select areas, just those areas used have to be cleaned and sanitized. If we begin to use other sections in the church, guidelines direct us to then clean and sanitize those areas as well even though only one or two people may be using the pew. For Sunday masses, doors are opened at 8:30 a.m. and then locked at 9:05 a.m. Our ushers have been very diligent in their “filling the church and the PAC” according to the rules. Again, social distancing and masks are paramount to our safety. While most of our family abides by the recommendations, there are some who do not. Keep in mind that these people are treated no differently than anyone else. Additionally, even though the doors are automatically locked, if people show up after the established lock time they are permitted to enter if they are noticed by an usher.
I also understand our family’s desire to have an additional mass, namely a Saturday evening mass. After much thought and conversation with parish staff, I am pleased to announce that we will have one Saturday evening mass in the PAC gymnasium which would start at 5:15 p.m. promptly. Working within the parameters and guidelines that have been set forth by the bishop and our government leaders, we will see how this additional mass is received. Given this scheduling, that means that confessions time in the parking lot will be from 3:30 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. I am currently working through usher duties as well as cleaning and sanitation details. Start date for Saturday evening mass is Saturday, September 12, 2020 @5:15 p.m. – NO MUSIC in the PAC ON SATURDAY NIGHT.
As this pandemic situation is truly unprecedented for all of us, Saint Patrick is unique because we are in a geographic location that also has another catholic church in close proximity – Queen of Peace at the army barracks. I am fully aware that some of our family members have found it more beneficial, advantageous and convenient for them to attend mass and receive the Eucharist there because we have been unable to duplicate what is done there. It is very important to note that while they are very close to us in terms of distance, they are governed by the Archdiocese of the Military which is separate and independent from the Diocese of Harrisburg. Their bishop is different than ours as well as their rules guiding how masses should be handled during these times. Some have asked why we don’t mirror those processes and procedures to make it easier for us and now you know why.
On a much lighter note, we are continually blessed that our collections have remained steady (which you see in the bulletin each week) and I thank you all for your use of online giving, as well as mailing & dropping off envelopes and the collection baskets at mass.
We have had two successful food truck events housed in the PAC parking lot which have allowed many of our family to come out for a few hours and maybe see friends that they haven’t for a while and to enjoy not cooking for a night. A third food truck event is being formulated for a September timeframe.
Our “oldest” seminarian, Aaron M. Lynch, will be ordained a deacon on Saturday, August 22. Aaron will preach his first mass the next day, Sunday, August 23 @ 9:00 a.m. mass. Plan on being there or tuning in. As well, Bryan Salzman and Billy Centenera will be ordained permanent deacons on Saturday, September 12 at Holy Name of Jesus Church by Bishop Gainer. What a truly blessed time for our family!
Our online viewership has continued to grow! While every now and then we may have a minor technical glitch, daily and Sunday mass is live-streamed as well as certain funerals and special events. I mention “You Tube” a lot because it is the best way to see and experience many of our events. Look for us, Saint Patrick Church, Carlisle PA on www.youtube.com. Subscribe, it’s easy and FREE!
We have had a number of individual First Communion’s and Confirmations occur during daily mass and our group First Communion was May 8 and our Confirmation group was May 3.
Some groups have met and gathered being socially distant in our PAC parking lot and others like Life Teen have gone hiking!
Hopefully this small smattering clearly shows you how alive our Saint Patrick family is. My prayers for you all as my parish family remain constant!
Peace,
Rev. Donald H. Bender, PASTOR
Matthew 14: 34-36
After making the crossing, they came to land at Gennesaret. 35 When the men of that place recognized him, they sent word to all the surrounding country. People brought to him all those who were sick 36 and begged him that they might touch only the tassel on his cloak, and as many as touched it were healed.